Show Notes 149: RFID, Innovation & Impact with PervasID’s Sabasan Sithamparanathan

In this week’s episode of the Cambridge Tech Podcast, hosts Faye Holland and James Parton dive into the latest tech news from the heart of the UK's tech capital before transitioning into an inspiring interview with Sabesan Sithamparanathan, founder and president of PervasID. This episode is packed with insights that every tech enthusiast, startup founder, and venture capitalist should tune into!

Weekly Tech News Highlights

The podcast kicks off with some exciting updates from the Cambridge tech scene:

Manufacturing Growth: The East of England has seen a remarkable growth in manufacturing output, up by over 20% since 2019. This sector contributes significantly to the region's economy, accounting for 9% of the UK's total goods exports and providing 220,000 highly skilled jobs.

Cambridge Social Innovation Prize: Winners of the 2025 Cambridge Social Innovation Prize were announced, highlighting innovative companies making positive social impacts. Notable winners included Sol Escobar, founder of Give Your Best, and Charlie Fraser, co-founder of the Entrepreneurial Refugee Network.

These headlines set the stage for an engaging discussion about the intersection of technology and social impact, paving the way for Sabasan’s insights into the world of RFID technology.

Interview with Sabesan Sithamparanathan

In the second part of the episode, Sabasan shares his journey from a PhD student at Cambridge to the founder of PervasID, a company revolutionising inventory tracking through RFID technology. Here are some key takeaways from the conversation:

• The Power of RFID: Sabasan explains that RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology has been around for over 70 years but has not yet reached its full potential. He states, “The promise RFID offers over the next 10 to 20 years is the ability to track every single object on the planet.”

• Innovative Solutions: His invention focuses on creating battery-free RFID tags that are ultra-low cost (around 2-3 cents each) and can be used across various sectors, including retail, aerospace, and healthcare. This technology not only reduces costs but also eliminates maintenance issues associated with battery-powered devices.

• Retail Revolution: Sabasan highlights the significant challenges retailers face, such as theft and stock availability. “Theft has increased to over $100 billion annually,” he notes, emphasising the need for accurate inventory tracking. His technology promises to improve stock visibility and reduce losses, leading to a potential 5-10% uplift in sales for retailers.

• Global Impact: PervasID is not just limited to retail; it’s making waves in aerospace by tracking tools to prevent safety risks and in healthcare by ensuring medical devices are accounted for, ultimately saving lives. “This is a hundred billion dollar problem we’re trying to solve,” Sabasan asserts.

Why You Should Listen

This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone interested in the future of technology and its applications across various industries. Sabasan’s passion for innovation and commitment to making a difference is truly inspiring.

Key Quotes:

• “When you have an invention, it feels like you have a baby. You want to do the best for that baby.”

• “Education needs to be completely different for the next 10 years to come.”

Don’t miss out on this enlightening discussion! Tune in to the full episode for a deeper understanding of how RFID technology is set to transform industries and improve lives.

Subscribe to the Cambridge Tech Podcast on all major platforms to stay updated with the latest in tech innovation and entrepreneurship. Join us in exploring the future of technology!

To listen and subscribe, search for ‘Cambridge Tech Podcast’ on your favourite podcasting platform or visit cambridgetechpodcast.com.